a little effort goes a long way gentlemen

There are about 15 other things I should be doing right now, you know, it being end of semester.  But as of recently I feel compelled to discuss men's fashion...and  to decode what their clothes really say. Disclaimer: This is a brutally honest assessment/plea.

I would like to start off by saying that a little effort goes a long way gentlemen.   

Slim, fitted pants vs. baggy jeans
Slim, fitted pants give the impression that a little thought put into the outfit of the day.   A simple pair of dark wash denim jeans is a powerful allie when it comes to being well dressed.   Baggy jeans imply a - I could care less mentality. (which if you actually do - all the power to you and this article might not be for you)  Women can sense that kind of hostility and that "could care less mentality." The nineties called and would like their pants back!  Retire the baggy ill fitting jeans - please. 
Leather shoes vs. worn out sneakers
One item that should not be underemphasised is your footwear...  most women will notice the

well worn shoes you wear with and for everything.   I hate to admit it but, shoes speak louder than words.  Sometimes they scream...and it hurts a little. Let just tell you CANNOT go wrong with a pair of good brown leather shoes.  If the whole outfit is going great but then you throw on your 3 year old runners you wear day in and day out, what ever is great up top has been tainted. Invest in a pair of leather shoes, a nice pair of white runners, and a pair of leather boots, and the female population with thank you.  

Sweaters Vs. Not Sweaters
 Another statement piece that I personally love and wish there were more in circulation are sweaters. When in doubt a good sweater - (ie, not piling, hole-y or boxey fiting) is a good call.  They are great for layering...(and layering is good!) They just elevate your look to suave status. 

Button up shirts vs. graphic tee-shirts
One of these items gives the impression of clinging on to your youth for dear life and the other is understated and looks good in just about any situation.  That being said, I can see the merit it the right kind of tee-shirt, a classic white, black or grey would pass as a good investment.  Plaid is always a good idea, and plaid under a sweater is even better. Button it all the way up, pop the collar a little or leave a few unbuttoned. These three ways of rocking a button up are acceptable.  Anything more than three undone buttons though is excessive, and gives off the wrong impression.   Don't be afraid to layer! (ie. plaid shirt + sweater + jacket...) Layering is good... very good.

 

Winter Jackets
Winter jackets have the ability to speak just as loudly as your shoes do...  Saying either, "Hi, I feel like I'm 19 still..." or  "I'd rather be on a mountain" or " Hello... I am suave and have classic taste (*cough* Peacoat* Cough*)  Invest in a good wintercoat...  just do it.   Take a page out of Sherlock's book,  (I've already talked about men's fashion once before referring to his exceptional style)  and get yourself a wool coat while keeping in mind what Sherlock or James Bond would wear.